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How to distinguish amniotic fluid from other body fluids? Why is the color of the amniotic fluid important? What if the waters are gone too soon? Is the loss of amniotic fluid a sign that you must go to the hospital immediately?

Amniotic fluid(amniotic fluid) in the amniotic bladder protects the growing baby. It's worth knowing the answers to the most common questions about amniotic fluid to save yourself unnecessary stress.

What is a fetal bladder?

The baby develops in the uterus, in the fetal bladder. It is a special bag made of amniotic membranes (amniotic and chorionic villus) and filled with amniotic fluid. The fetal bladder not only protects the baby from injuries and keeps it at a constant temperature, but also protects the water and the baby immersed in it from bacteria (that could get from the vagina) and any other contaminants. During normal pregnancy, amniotic fluid is continuously produced and absorbed. The amniotic epithelium is responsible for the production and absorption of amniotic fluid. Fluid also increases and decreases because the baby swallows amniotic fluid and pee.

Rupture of the fetal bladder and breakage of the amniotic fluid

Usually, the bladder ruptures and the amniotic fluid breaks off during the second stage of labor, i.e. in the hospital. Sometimes, however (it concerns 10% of pregnancies) it is the first sign of upcoming delivery. The baby, pressing against the birth canal, stretches the fetal bladder and causes it to rupture. The bladder does not break into many pieces, and a fissure is formed in it. Therefore, usually no more than 1/4 of the water is lost and babies are not born "dry". Some moms mention that their water sprayed out like a faucet. Others only felt moisture on their underwear (as with menstruation), because the amniotic fluid only seeped out, but they drew attention to the characteristic smell of fresh fish.

At the end of pregnancy, the humidity in the vagina increases (because the mucus plug is leaving), so it happens that the woman does not notice that the bladder is already leaky, and she recognizes the onset of labor by pains (uterine contractions). Contractions often occur soon after premature bladder rupture as a signal to the uterus that it is time to push the baby out into the world.

How can you be sure it's amniotic water?

Women with splashes of water do nottrouble recognizing that the fetal bladder has ruptured. But when the waters are seeping, it's harder. It's important to make sure your bladder is still protecting your baby.

If you suspect that water is running off, contact your he althcare professional as soon as possible or go straight to the hospital. You can also use the home Al-Sense Kit test (price: about PLN 50 for 3 pcs) to check if there is a water leak (the test allows you to distinguish it from ordinary mucus, urine or vaginal discharge).

The doctor, to confirm your suspicions, can use a special fluid to check whether the discharge really contains amniotic fluid. During an ultrasound scan, it will assess the amount of amniotic fluid. If necessary, amnioscopy is also used - the gynecologist inserts a speculum into the cervix (through the vagina), through which he examines the lower part of the fetal bladder. This test gives information about the color and amount of amniotic fluid and the condition of the membranes.

When the waters run out before the due date?

In a situation where the fetal bladder bursts long before the due date, a happy ending is more and more often possible. However, even with little water run-off, it is not enough to lie at home and take antibiotics to avoid contamination. It is necessary to stay in the hospital, where the expectant mother is given a preparation accelerating the maturation of the child's alveoli, sometimes antibiotics and substances that inhibit the birthing process. Its temperature, the level of leukocytes and CRP (the so-called C-reactive proteins) in the blood are monitored, and vaginal secretions are cultured to quickly recognize possible inflammation (then it may be necessary to terminate the pregnancy immediately).

Important

What does amniotic water consist of?

Amniotic fluid, that is, amniotic fluid, is not ordinary water. Apart from particles of fetal fluid, exfoliated cells and metabolic products, it contains nutrients: glucose, proteins and fats. A surfactant is formed in the waters, a substance necessary for the development of a baby's lungs. Thanks to it, the surface tension of the alveoli is reduced, which prevents them from collapsing and sticking together during exhalation.

Important amniotic fluid color

The draining water only foreshadows the birth. It may take even several hours until you see your baby. The amniotic fluid should be clear, colorless, whitish, or straw-colored.amber amber waterse, caused by a serological conflict, appear very rarely.

The green color of the amniotic fluidindicates that the child is under stress (e.g. due to hypoxia or poisoning), and therefore released meconium into the fetal bladder (first poop). Immediate medical attention is then needed.

Brown, dirty, blood-colored amniotic fluidis a sign that you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible. This does not necessarily mean that the fetus has died - many women bleed when labor begins. Bleeding is sometimes associated with the departure of the mucus plug, which is the dense plug that closes the cervix.

In the hospital, if it turns out that something is dangerous for the baby, it is possible to terminate the pregnancy by caesarean section. Occasionally, intravenous oxytocin may be sufficient to speed up labor by inducing uterine contractions. It is also advisable to give an antibiotic when you or your child is at risk of becoming infected.

After the amniotic fluid breaks, go to the hospital

When your waters run out, you have to go to the hospital, even if they are not disturbingly colored and you do not have contractions. Once the fetal bladder is leaky and no longer protects the baby, vaginal bacteria can travel to the uterus and infect the baby. It happens in 1 in 100 newborns born more than 24 hours after the premature water breakdown. However, serious complications appear in such a situation 10 times more often than in the entire population of newborns. In addition, the risk of developing an infection in the newborn increases if the membranes are inflamed, and this often happens as early as 6 hours after the rupture of the fetal bladder.

Problem

Green waters show that a child is under stress. Then you should go to the hospital as soon as possible.

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Category:

Childbirth